The History of Mill Hill Education Group

From a single school founded over two centuries ago to a global family of leading independent schools, the Mill Hill Education Group has built a rich and far-reaching history defined by innovation, inclusivity and expansion.

The story begins in 1807, when Mill Hill School first opened its doors. Established by a group of merchants and ministers from Christian non-conformist backgrounds, the school was created to provide an accessible and high-quality education for boys within their communities at a time when traditional public schools were often exclusive

Over the following decades, the Foundation grew steadily. A key milestone came in 1992, when Belmont was established as the preparatory school to Mill Hill, occupying what had previously been a junior boarding house. Just a few years later, in 1995, Grimsdell, the pre-preparatory school opened in Winterstoke House, further cementing a full educational pathway within the Mill Hill family.

A significant shift towards inclusivity followed in 1997, when Mill Hill School and Belmont became fully co-educational, marking an important evolution in the Foundation’s approach to education

The 21st century has been defined by growth and transformation. In 2013, The Mount School merged with the Mill Hill School Foundation, later becoming Mill Hill International, which opened in 2015 to provide day and boarding education for international pupils aged 13 to 17.

Expansion continued at pace. Cobham Hall joined the Foundation in 2021, followed by Keble Prep and Lyonsdown School in 2022, further broadening the Group’s reach across London and the South East. That same period saw continued development within schools including Cobham Hall introducing a co-educational Sixth Form.

In 2023, the organisation adopted its current identity as the Mill Hill Education Group, reflecting its growing scale and ambition. That year also saw the addition of several schools including St Joseph’s in the Park (now Hertford Prep) and Kingshott School, underscoring a strategy of thoughtful and sustained growth.

Recent years have marked an exciting new chapter of both national and international development. Abbot’s Hill joined in 2024, while in 2025 the Group expanded further with the addition of Heathfield School and Westbrook Hay School. That same year also saw the launch of 1729 Maths School, a specialist institution focused on nurturing exceptional mathematical talent, as well as the opening of Mill Hill International Thailand, the Group’s first overseas school, located in Chiang Mai.

In 2026, Framlingham College joined the Group, further strengthening its offering as a collective of leading day and boarding schools.

The Group’s growth continues apace. In June 2026, we welcomed Pangbourne College and St Gabriel’s, Newbury into the Group through charitable mergers, strengthening our presence in Berkshire and creating a network of leading schools in the region alongside Heathfield School in Ascot. The move provides long-term security and expanded opportunities for pupils and staff while preserving each school’s individual identity and ethos.

Today, the Mill Hill Education Group encompasses 16 independent schools, spanning the UK and internationally. While its footprint has grown significantly since 1807, its founding mission remains at its core to provide an exceptional education that supports and develops young people from diverse backgrounds.

As the Group continues to expand both nationally and globally, its history reflects not only growth in numbers but a consistent commitment to opportunity, community and educational excellence.